What LB Kyzir White brings to the Chargers

The biggest weakness on the Chargers roster heading into the draft was at linebacker, where the team was thin. After adding LB Uchenna Nwosu in the second round to play the OTTO, which is played by Kyle Emanuel, they went with Kyzir White to help at the WILL, which is currently being played by Jatavis Brown.

At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, White possesses an NFL-ready body and the versatility to play multiple positions on the field. This skill-set has become increasingly valuable as of late as NFL defenses have begun to stray away from base defenses in favor of nickel and dime packages. He is an explosive, coordinated athlete that has a high football IQ and was always on display in West Virginia’s defense.

Here is what White excels at, what he needs to work on and what he brings to the Bolts.

Positives

Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

As a run defender, White relishes contact and makes sure his opponents feel his presence on every hit. As a blitzer, White disguises his run from depth, accelerating through gaps to rapidly close on the QB with punishing impact.

He’s fundamentally sound as a tackler despite packing a serious punch behind his pads. He’ll wrap up and drive through whenever given a clean shot at his target. His ability to stay composed and avoid going head-hunting is part of what makes him so successful as a thumper at the line of scrimmage.

The former Mountaineer has some incredible recognition skills and crisp tackling that rarely fails him. White’s mindset as a hitter and physical presence altered the way West Virginia played defense, and he can bring that to the next level for L.A.

White does play in space as a coverage player, and his strength is in zone where he can keep his eyes in the back field and use his closing burst to make plays, either punishing receivers for going over the middle or breaking up passes. He does an outstanding job of keeping his eyes on the QB and relying on his instincts to keep his assignment in front of him so he can attack downfield.

Aside from Derwin James, Kyzir White was my favorite selection. His ability to read and react is second to none. He’s in the slot, breaks off coverage like a missile to make a play on the ball and keep the QB to no gain. It’s going to be a lot of fun to see him excel at the WLB. pic.twitter.com/DgBYaovRHz

It’s going to be a lot of fun letting Kyzir White blitz off the edge. White breaks down and makes the sack. He does a great job as a blitzer to not over pursue or slow down too much. He executes his timing perfectly here. pic.twitter.com/hWruRJCJNV